Scientific Diving

Diving Operations: COVID-19

***Diving Operations: COVID-19***

All UMaine diving operations are currently suspended, in accordance with University of Maine guidance for remote-learning/working, limited research operations, and social distancing. Please see the UMaine Coronavirus link at the top of this website for community and University updates and/or contact the UMaine DSO for more information: crigaud@maine.edu

Now-July 1– Scientific divers wishing to conduct or plan diving operations during this time must submit a request for essential research to the Office of Vice President for Research and a Dive Plan to the Diving Safety Officer and Diving Control Board. Requests will be reviewed on an individual basis as time permits. The UMaine Diving Control Board will be formulating procedures and best practices for moving forward in accordance with University policy/procedure and consensus within the broader scientific diving community. Updates will be issued as they become available.

July 1- forward– conduct of diving operations from July 1 through the Summer/Fall field season will be contingent upon University policy/procedure governing research and consensus within the broader scientific diving community. Divers and dive teams should submit all documents and forms as usual for diving operations planned for the calendar year 2020.

Academic / Training Courses

Now-Aug 1– All academic and instructional diver training courses are suspended until the end of the Summer term. The UMaine Diving Control Board will be formulating procedures and best practices for moving forward in accordance with University policy/procedure and consensus within the broader scientific diving community. Updates will be issued as they become available.

UMaine has mandated all Summer courses be moved to online learning platforms. It is not feasible to conduct this field-intensive course in an online format, nor is there any potential benefit to students without the in-person diving component. Additionally, in accordance with University guidance, the Darling Marine Center will be closed to all incoming students and non-essential visitors until July 1. As such, the Summer 2020 session of SMS324-Introduction to Research Diving has been cancelled.

SMS324- Fall 2020- the Fall Session of our academic Scientific Diving courses will be contingent upon University policy/procedure and consensus within the broader scientific diving community. Divers wishing to enroll in these courses should submit all documents and forms as described on the course webpage.